Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, visited the pupils and teachers recently rescued from abductors in Oriire Local Government Area, assuring residents that the victims were responding well to treatment and were in stable condition.
The governor made the visit to the 2 Division Nigerian Army Hospital, Odogbo, Ibadan, where the rescued victims are receiving medical care following their release from captivity.
Speaking after meeting the victims, Makinde expressed gratitude for their safe return and disclosed that the state government was putting measures in place to support their recovery, including facilitating reunions with their family members as part of a post-traumatic healing process.
He said the victims would remain under medical observation for the next 48 hours, after which an assessment would be conducted ahead of their formal handover by the military to the Oyo State Government for continued care and rehabilitation.
“I am very happy that the children and teachers are back. We give glory to God and say thank you to our officers and men,” the governor said.
Makinde, however, mourned the security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation, describing their sacrifice as one that would not be in vain.
“It is sad that we lost some soldiers and officers. We want to assure their families that their loved ones would not have died in vain,” he said.
He noted that although many of the rescued pupils and teachers appeared relieved to have regained their freedom, some remained physically weak and would require further medical and psychological intervention.
“I can see that the pupils and teachers are happy to be out of captivity. They are glad to be back. Some of them are still frail and we will have to do a bit of medical intervention on post-traumatic issues, but we have the team that would do that already in place,” he added.
The governor also revealed that arrangements were being made to bring family members to the hospital to reunite with their loved ones while they continue to receive treatment.
Makinde commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for what he described as their professionalism, dedication and coordinated efforts that culminated in the successful rescue of the victims.
He equally thanked the people of Oyo State for their patience, understanding and support throughout the rescue operation, assuring them that the government would provide a comprehensive briefing on the incident and subsequent developments later in the week.
The governor urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, stressing that insecurity is a global concern that requires collective action rather than division.
“All countries around the world do have challenges. When we are challenged, it is not the best time to sow seeds of division, but to come together and confront our challenges,” he said.
Members of the governor’s entourage included the Oyo State Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Engr. Mufutau Open Salawu; Senior Executive Assistant (General Duties), Chief Bayo Lawal; Executive Adviser on Security Coordination, Major General Tokunbo Omoniyi (Rtd); Executive Adviser (Security), CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd); Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola; and the Director General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Tilewa Folami.
